Abstract
Hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV), are blood-borne viruses that can cause acute hepatitis; but are clinically relevant because chronic infection is associated with development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Both these viruses are becoming more common in the older population, due to the ageing of generations exposed to the risk factors associated with infection; intravenous drug use, multiple sexual partners and men who have sex with men. This review will cover the natural history and epidemiology of these infections as well as the revolution in drug therapy that now allows cure of HCV infection and complete control of HBV infection.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 32-37 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Age and Ageing |
Volume | 48 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 31 Oct 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2019 |
Keywords
- cirrhosis
- hepatitis B
- hepatitis C
- hepatocellular carcinoma
- older people
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ageing
- Geriatrics and Gerontology